Depot Days returns to Standish for eighth year

STANDISH — The Standish Depot Days celebrations are returning for the eighth year in a row Oct. 6-7, with a mix of activities and exhibitors.

Standish Historical Depot volunteer Ardith Fales said the Depot is planning for musical entertainment, and rides and games provided by Schmidt Amusements, in addition to culinary contests.

“There’s going to be a pie-baking contest on Saturday, as well as a chili cook-off,” Fales said.

Scrapbooks from the Arenac County Historical Society will be on display inside the depot for public perusal, and tours will be available of the depot’s two 1950s-era English passenger train cars and its 1929 caboose.

Fales said the Sunrise Side Antique Tractor Club is also going to have some of its classic farming equipment on display for the duration of Depot Days.

Some musical acts from the Arenac County Heritage Route’s summer concert series will be making a return during Depot Days as Lemon Frog, Gunsmoke Express, and Point Blank all have concerts scheduled Saturday at 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m., respectively. The Steve Dzrewicki Polka band is scheduled to play from noon until 3 p.m. on Sunday at the depot.

A 5K run/walk is also set for the morning of Oct. 6, with a 10 a.m. start time. On-site registration is open from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. that day, while early entry forms are available at the Standish Historical Depot. Fales said the entry fee is $20 with a 5K run shirt or $15 without, with proceeds going to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Representatives from the Saganing Eagles Landing Casino will also be at the depot Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Fales said in previous years they gave away premium play passes for the casino, but she was not certain what the group has planned this year.

Fales said other vendors and a farmers market are also being lined up for Depot Days.

One mainstay from previous years that will not be returning is the train ride to Grayling. Fales said while the planners wanted to, they were unable to get a train for the celebration this time.

“It’s a disappointment, but there was nothing available at the time this year,” Fales said.

The Friends of the Mary Johnston Memorial Library will be holding a book sale coinciding with Depot Days at the old Standish Bakery building on Cedar Street. The proceeds go toward the Standish library.

Depot Days will run from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday, and noon until 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, contact the depot at 989-718-3021.